The Bible is Historically Accurate

Archaeology again proves that the Bible is historically accurate. Biblical archaeology brings us into touch with the world of Bible peoples and provides us with a background of knowledge against which we can begin to understand the biblical narratives better. Archaeology reveals to us the conditions of life in past centuries, and in some cases recovers for us material objects that people used–from pieces of pottery to elegant gold vessels and jewelry, from clay tablets dealing with the business accounts of a long-dead Babylonian family to papyrus scrolls recording the diseases of ancient Egyptians and the medicines that they took.

Archaeology Not Meant to “Prove” the Truth of the Scriptures

Archaeology is not meant to “prove” the TRUTH of the Scriptures, because this revelation is from God, being basically spiritual and based on faith, has to be experienced personally and evaluated spiritually (I Cor. 2:14r. 2:14
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14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:  

WP-Bible plugin). Yet our understanding of that revelation as something from God that is and was experienced by real people helps us see that our faith is not the result of myth, magic, or folklore, but instead is rooted deeply in history.

Great Cities Mentioned in Scripture

When we learn through archaeology about some of the great cities mentioned in Scripture, and the splendid place they occupied in past centuries, we begin to see how time passed as people lived and died, governments rose and fell until the time came when Christ was revealed as the Savior of mankind. We learn also that what the Bible has to say about some of these famous places was in fact the sober truth. While Jerusalem came to be known in history as the “holy city” because God’s temple was there, other places were notorious for their wickedness. The Jews regarded proud Babylon as the home of all wickedness, and it was left in ruins by divine judgment, as prophesied by Isaiah. Archaeology has also shown how Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, struck terror in the minds of people because of the brutality of the Assyrian armies, but even that fell to a stronger power, as prophesied by Nahum. Proud Athens, the intellectual center of ancient Greece, was dedicated to the service of the pagan goddess Athena, and ruins of her temples may still be seen there today. Corinth, a Greek city that had an evil reputation in Paul’s day, contains the earliest known Christian cemetery showing that the gospel light was able to shine through the pagan darkness of that corrupt place. Archaeologists have even uncovered the site where Paul stood in judgment before Gallio (Acts 18:12-17Acts 18:12-17
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12 And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat, ¹³ Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law. ¹⁴ And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you: ¹⁵ But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters. ¹⁶ And he drave them from the judgment seat. ¹⁷ Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.  

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Witnesses to God’s Revelation

While archaeology helps us to understand ancient life and times, many of the ruins carry a stern reminder of God’s direct judgment upon human wickedness and disobedience. In this sense, therefore, the stones still cry out as witnesses to God’s revelation through the Law, the Prophets, and His Beloved Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ.



Source: Family Homes Network



*Trivia about the video narrator Grant Goodeve:


Grant Goodeve is an actor, television personality and teen idol of the 1970s. He is best known for playing the role of David, the oldest son, on Eight is Enough for five seasons. He dated Laurie Walters, the actress who played his television sister. Goodeve married Debbie Ketchum in 1978. He has lived in the Northwestern United States since 1989 with his wife and three children Katie, Emily and Mac.

Goodeve also appeared for two seasons in the recurring role of Rick Pedersen, the ill-fated bush pilot in the TV drama Northern Exposure, which was produced in the northwestern U.S. Goodeve’s work also includes numerous episodic television appearances, the role of Woody on the daytime soap opera One Life to Live, as well as roles in several made-for-television movies and feature films. Goodeve is also an excellent singer, and has made appearances as lead vocalist in several parody songs by Bob Rivers.

He currently hosts If Walls Could Talk on Home and Garden Television, along with a series of historical home specials titled, Homes of our Heritage for HGTV. Grant has been the host of KING TV’s Northwest Backroads since the show premiered in April 1998. Grant has been a contributor to Evening Magazine since 1990.

He was a serious alcoholic until a car crash finally convinced him to turn his life around. In 2001 Goodeve was born again. Grant enjoys spending time with his family, tennis, snow skiing, reading, and basking in the beauty of the Northwest.

(http://listing-index.ebay.com/actors/Grant_Goodeve.html)

When the ark came to rest upon the mountains of Ararat, and the plants began once again to grow, God spoke to Noah, saying, “Go out of the ark, you and every living thing with you.” And they went out.

Then Noah erected an altar and offered a sacrifice to the Lord…

…and the lamb that was being sacrificed?
…ever wondered what its last thoughts must have been?











Smile and have a blessed day with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!




Source: Kevin Frank

The Old Gospel Song

It’s been raining hard, floods in some parts of Manila, classes and offices suspended at the time of this writing. And there I was missing my kids terribly, can’t wait to go home. It was a good time with my family though. Nice to minister and spend time with my Dad and Mom who are not getting any younger. Well your life may be in a storm right now and the flood waters are engulfing you. If you are, let me remind you that God has the whole world in His hands.” Remember the old gospel song? He’s got the wind, the rain, the tiny little baby, yes, even you and me in His hands.



He’s got the Middle East in His hands (that’s a relief, isn’t it?), not to mention North Korea and Iran…

His Sovereign Hands

How easy it is to forget that! And it isn’t limited to our geography or our culture, you know. He’s got the Middle East in His hands (that’s a relief, isn’t it?), not to mention North Korea and Iran, Cuba and India, Indonesia and Russia—all right there in the palms of His sovereign hands. And while we’re at it, He’s got our future, our children, our circumstances, our friends, and our foes in His hands . . . within His grasp . . . under His control. He’s there—in charge.



God Knows Your Ways . . .

But there are times when we find it really hard to believe that our circumstance is truly in His hands. Not only are the wind and the rain and the tiny little baby in His hands, but so are life’s minor interruptions as well as major calamities. In fact, would you believe they never leave His attention? There will be times we will need the reminder of the wise prophet named Isaiah, “Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me.” (Isaiah 49:16Isaiah 49:16
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16 Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.  

WP-Bible plugin) In other words, God sees us exactly as we are . . . warts and all, needs and all. He sees everything. And how close does He view it? It’s in the palms of His hands. God knows your ways . . . and He knows them continually. That includes your responses, your experiences, your reactions, what you call your calamities, your dead ends, your so-called impossible situations.



He has inscribed you and me on His palms. Things aren’t out of control…

Unshockable

Not only does He have you and me, the wind and the rain, and the tiny little baby in His hands, He has yesterday’s failures. He has today’s challenges, He has tomorrow’s surprises right there in His hands. And not one of them causes God to gasp. Not one causes Him to react with surprise, “Ah! I never knew that.” Not one. He is unshockable, He is immutable.

He’s got the whole world in His hands. What’s more, He has inscribed you and me on His palms. Things aren’t out of control.

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” 1Timothy 4:12







This is the welcome letter the campers received from Glen and Abba Tantio, a young couple who are youth ministry leaders in Calvary Chapel Dumaguete.



LIVINGSTONES YOUTH MINISTRY OF CALVARY CHAPEL DUMAGUETE

WELCOMES YOU TO YOUTH CAMP 2009!

Dear Camper,



I want you to know from the start that we are so excited you are here! You may be here for the first time and not too sure what to expect. You may have come unwillingly, or you may have come before and are expecting more of  the same. Whatever it may be, God has brought you here for a purpose. He wants to speak to you. I encourage you to lay all your expectations aside and be open to whatever the Lord may want to do in and through you this week.

God desires that you would know Him not just as some spiritual force or creator but as a loving, caring Father who loves you so much that He sent His only Son Jesus to die for your sins. This intimacy is only possible through Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit.

My prayer is that through this Camp God would develop in you an unquenchable hunger and thirst for more of Him. I pray you will surrender your life to Him and allow Him to transform you by His awesome power.

We have an exciting week ahead of learning, worship, fun activities and building new friendships so don’t miss out by holding back. Let go and let God have His way! I promise…you will never be the same again!


In His Grip,



Glen and Abba Tantio

Congrats to Glen and Abba on the new addition to
their family! Zar is now a ‘Kuya’ to baby Selah…




Snapshots








Evening Lecture Sessions with Pastor Jo:

1. “In Speech”
2. “In Life”
3. “In Faith”
4. “In Love”
5. “Jesus the Ultimate Example”



*For more photos of the Youth Camp visit the Livingstones Youth Ministry at their multiply website: www.livingstonesministry.multiply.com





Hospital Ministry will have a meeting right after the hospital visitation this afternoon.

…a loneliness that is caused by sin and being estranged from the God who gives life.

This was Michael Jackson’s reply to his friend who asked him if he’s lonely. You would never think that in spite of the fame, riches, and success that a man in his calibre would say those words. But if you know the Scriptures it is not surprising. It reveals to us that these things would never make anyone happy. Solomon can testify to it, “Everything is meaningless under the sun!” Many people today can relate…for many are lonely. And I’m referring to a loneliness that is caused by sin and being estranged from the God who gives life. And even the Son of God knows what it’s like to be lonely as He begins to carry the sins of the world to His shoulders.

Isn’t that a comforting thought? Jesus walked this valley before us. He felt the pang of isolation in the Garden of Gethsemane. And He felt the ultimate loneliness on the cross when He bore our sin. Because He has gone before us, He is our lifeline of hope. The author of the letter to the Hebrews assures us, “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb. 4:15-16Heb. 4:15-16
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15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶ Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.  

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Jesus will meet you in your loneliness with a word of understanding and a heart of compassion. With Christ, you can be alone without feeling the sadness of loneliness. Right now, your aloneness is like an emotional desert, where the landscape is barren and all you feel is the heat of the sun and an awful thirst for companionship. Now, contrast this desert image with a garden image. Imagine yourself alone in a garden, listening to the soothing sounds of the birds and the relaxing rhythm of the wind in the trees. In the garden, you experience solitude—an entirely different sensation. Solitude brings refreshment, peace, and meaning.

How can you start feeling less like you’re in a desert and more like you’re in God’s garden? First, be right with God by confessing your sins. Let Jesus cleanse you by His blood. Second, stay close to the Lord through prayer and Bible reading. God invites you to share everything that you’re experiencing with Him: Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. (Psalm 62:8Psalm 62:8
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8 Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.  

WP-Bible plugin). Third, look for people who need a friend and show Christ’s love to them. Seek out people who are likely to relate to you, those with whom you share common interests. Often people around us are also lonely and looking for companionship. Maybe you could connect with others in your church or your neighborhood.

Go to Jesus today and He can turn deserts into gardens.

Beloved, He is close to the brokenhearted. Go to Jesus today and He can turn deserts into gardens. He really can. May you find His peace in your lonely place.

What exactly is grace? And is it limited to Jesus’ life and ministry? You may be surprised to know that Jesus never used the word itself. He just taught it and, equally important, He lived it. Furthermore, the Bible never gives us a one-statement definition, though grace appears throughout its pages . . . not only the word itself but numerous demonstrations of it. Understanding what grace means requires our going back to an old Hebrew term that meant “to bend, to stoop.” By and by, it came to include the idea of “condescending favor.” If you have travelled to London or perhaps heard or read about it, you know royalty – the most famous was the late Princess Diana. If so, you may have noticed sophistication, aloofness, distance.



Every time the thought of grace appears, there is the idea of its being undeserved.

On occasion, royalty in England will make the news because someone in the ranks of nobility will stop, kneel down, and touch or bless a common person. That is grace. There is nothing in the person that deserves being noticed or touched or blessed by the royal family. But because of grace in the heart of the queen or the princess, there is the desire at that moment to pause, to stoop, to touch, even to bless. Someone said it best: “Love that goes upward is worship; love that goes outward is affection; love that stoops is grace.” To show grace is to extend favor or kindness to one who doesn’t deserve it and can never earn it. Receiving God’s acceptance by grace always stands in sharp contrast to earning it on the basis of works. Every time the thought of grace appears, there is the idea of its being undeserved. In no way is the recipient getting what he or she deserves. Favor is being extended simply out of the goodness of the heart of the giver.

And the greatest demonstration of grace is the cross of Calvary. There the King of kings and the Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ, stoop down to save us from our sins. Undeserving as we are we receive His love. What kind of love is that? It is a love that is more concerned about making the object of love feel loved, than it is in making the lover feel loved. The lover is willing to sacrifice, to make any sacrifice necessary just to make the object of love feel loved. That is what God did. It is the kind of love that does not regard itself, but unselfishly goes to the cross & sheds its blood, & gives its life so that there might be hope for those of us who are hopeless without it. That is “agape” love.



And the greatest demonstration of grace is the cross of Calvary…



So when the Bible says that “God is agape love” it means that God doesn’t love us with just a surface type of love, but He loves us with an all-sacrificing love. He gives Himself completely to express His love. And this we never deserve…it’s grace from beginning to end! As we come to the Lord’s table today, thank Him for His grace and love undeserved!

The Apostle Paul: “Rejected”
Based on Bill Britton’s classic; modified and expanded by Dean VanDruff. From Acts 17:11Acts 17:11
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11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.  

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MYSTERY BABYLON DENOMINATION
FOREIGN MISSIONS BOARD

To: Rev. Saul Paul
First Christian Church
Antioch, Syria



Dear Mr. Paul:

I have your application for missionary appointment before me, and will be as frank as possible concerning your qualifications as a foreign missionary. We have to be very careful in choosing our missionaries, and our Missions Board has reviewed your case thoroughly. We have decided that it would be unwise to send you to the foreign field for the following reasons:

1. It has come to our attention that you are doing secular work on the side. We do not feel that making tents and full time ministry go together very well. [1Th 2:9h 2:9
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   9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. for the: or, by the  
   
   WP-Bible plugin] It seems that you do not have enough experience in trusting the Lord for your income. You should make up your mind whether you want to preach or continue your profession.
   
2. Your previous actions have been very rash and unseemly for a minister. We learned that in a public meeting you opposed Dr. Simon Peter, an esteemed minister with a high reputation. [Ga 2:11-14Ga 2:11-14
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   11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. ¹² For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. ¹³ And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. ¹⁴ But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?  
   
   WP-Bible plugin] We also hear that you refused to compromise with other ministers such that a special council meeting had to be called in Jerusalem to prevent a serious split in the churches. [Ac 15:1-30Ac 15:1-30
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   15 ¹ And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. ² When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. ³ And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. ⁴ And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. ⁵ But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. rose...: or, rose up, said they, certain ⁶ And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. ⁷ And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. ⁸ And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; ⁹ And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. ¹⁰ Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? ¹¹ But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. ¹² Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. ¹³ And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: ¹⁴ Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. ¹⁵ And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, ¹⁶ After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: ¹⁷ That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. ¹⁸ Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. ¹⁹ Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: ²⁰ But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. ²¹ For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day. ²² Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren: ²³ And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia: ²⁴ Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment: ²⁵ It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, ²⁶ Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁷ We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. mouth: Gr. word ²⁸ For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; ²⁹ That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well. ³⁰ So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:  
   
   WP-Bible plugin] We frown on putting ideology before people. For your own good, I am enclosing a copy of Daius’ Carnegus book on “How to Win Jews and Influence Greeks.” [Ga 1:10, 1Ga 1:10, 1
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   10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Galatians ^{1 1} Paul, an apostle,  
   
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   4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? gifts: or, distributions ⁵ For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. ⁶ But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?  
   
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3. You have conflicted with mature Jewish brethren in nearly every city you have visited who simply want to encourage the converted Pagans to be properly circumcised. Mr. Paul, you must know that these men are our most learned sages with a deep sense of the roots and history of our faith. As well, and more importantly, these men control the synagogues you could be ministering in if you would simply tone down your dialog into a more friendly and respectful exchange. [Gal 5:2-12Gal 5:2-12
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   2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. ³ For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. ⁴ Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. ⁵ For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. ⁶ For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. ⁷ Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? hinder you: or, drive you back ⁸ This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. ⁹ A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. ¹⁰ I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be. ¹¹ And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased. ¹² I would they were even cut off which trouble you.  
   
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4. In checking back, we discovered your Christian education consisted of a three year course in Arabia. [Ga 1:15-20Ga 1:15-20
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   15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, ¹⁶ To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: ¹⁷ Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. ¹⁸ Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. went up: or, returned ¹⁹ But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. ²⁰ Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.  
   
   WP-Bible plugin] We find that the Arabian school has not been approved by our accreditation board.
   
5. Further, you admit to being an unskilled public speaker. [2Co 10:10, 11:6] Paul, surely you must know that people expect fine elocution from men of God, and that as a denomination we stand for the highest levels of excellence in the pulpit. Yet instead of going to much-needed oratory classes you spend your time making tents instead. From your correspondence, you also appear to be spending a considerable amount of time writing letters to insignificant little “churches” that meet in homes. [Ac 28:3-6Ac 28:3-6
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   3 And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. ⁴ And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live. ⁵ And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. ⁶ Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.  
   
   WP-Bible plugin] Honestly now; do you really think that such misguided activities are what will lead to your success in the world of religion? We strongly suggest that you put down your tools and set aside your pen, and instead practice hand gestures, facial expressions, and voice modulation in front of a mirror for several hours a day until you come up to par.
   
6. It has come to the attention also that you often emphasize “the power of God” and “the gifts of the Spirit.” [1Co 2:3-5, 12:1-7] Also that you speak in tongues a great deal. [1Co 14:18] Surely you realize that such as this only drives off the better class of people, and attracts only the riff-raff. It would be better to tone down those more sensational forms of worship. You sound as though you are “off the deep end.” [1Co 3:18]
   
7. It has been proven to our satisfaction that you had hands laid on you at Antioch with prophecy going forth, [Ac 13:1-3Ac 13:1-3
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   13 ¹ Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. which...: or, Herod's foster brother ² As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. ³ And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.  
   
   WP-Bible plugin] with none of the Apostles or Headquarters brethren present to conduct this ordination service in the prescribed manner.
   
8. We see here that you have a jail record in several places. [2Co 11:23-27] If this is true, it puts you in a bad light, for our denomination has always stood for a high standard of civic responsibility. I fear it would damage our reputation to have someone representing us that had served time in jails and prisons. Frankly, Mr. Paul, we seriously doubt you could have been innocent and the judge wrong in so many cases. It just doesn’t look right.
   
9. It seems that you are a troublemaker, Mr. Paul. Several business men of Ephesus have written us that you were the cause of severe loss of business to them and even stirred mob violence. You must learn to cultivate the friendship and influence of men such as these. [Ac 16:16-22Ac 16:16-22
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   16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: of divination: or, of Python ¹⁷ The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. ¹⁸ And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. ¹⁹ And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers, marketplace: or, court ²⁰ And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, ²¹ And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. ²² And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.  
   
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10. We also have some details of a shameful “over the wall in a basket” episode at Damascus, [2Co 11:30-33] plus a stoning at Lystra, and several other violent actions taken against your ministry. [2Ti 3:11] Haven’t you ever suspected that conciliatory behavior and gentler words might gain you more friends?
    
11. We have learned through channels that following some trouble with a preacher on the island of Cyprus, you began to allow yourself to be known by the Gentile pronunciation of your name rather than the proper Hebrew. [Ac 13:4-11Ac 13:4-11
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    4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. ⁵ And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister. ⁶ And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus: ⁷ Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. ⁸ But Elymas the sorcerer withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. ⁹ Then Saul, filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, ¹⁰ And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? ¹¹ And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.  
    
    WP-Bible plugin] Yet another conflict, and then a name change. This does not seem to us to be conduct becoming to the ministry.
    
12. You admitted in your application that in the past you neglected such needy fields as Bithynia, just because “the Spirit didn’t lead that way,” and that you undertook a hazardous journey on the strength of a dream you had at Troas. [Ac 16:6-10Ac 16:6-10
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    6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, ⁷ After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. ⁸ And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. ⁹ And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. ¹⁰ And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.  
    
    WP-Bible plugin] Mr. Paul, surely you don’t expect us to go along with such flimsy and fantastic excuses for your seemingly purposeless wanderings.
    
13. Many times you did not stay long enough, in our opinion, to get a church properly established. You left your converts many times without even a pastor to guide them, and without setting the church in order in some good hierarchical denomination. [Ts 1:5]
    
14. We hear also from Troas that you preach too long, one sermon lasting almost twenty-four hours, even to the extent that a young man fell asleep and was seriously injured. [Ac 20:7-12Ac 20:7-12
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    7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. ⁸ And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together. ⁹ And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. ¹⁰ And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him. ¹¹ When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed. ¹² And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.  
    
    WP-Bible plugin] We understand that you claim to have restored his life and raised him from the dead by falling on him and embracing him. What nonsense! We need practical men in the ministry, Mr. Paul, not high strung emotional radicals. Our advice is for you to shorten your sermons considerably. We find that about twenty minutes is the longest a minister can hold the attention of his audience these days. Our motto is “Stand up, speak up, and shut up.”
    
15. It is reported from your home church that you could not get along with your fellow ministers; that John Mark–a commendable young man and nephew of one of our highest leaders–had to leave your party in the middle of a journey; and that you had a sharp quarrel with gentle, good natured Barnabas. [Ac 15:36-40Ac 15:36-40
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    36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. ³⁷ And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. ³⁸ But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. ³⁹ And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; ⁴⁰ And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.  
    
    WP-Bible plugin] Now these men are well thought of in Jerusalem and we wonder why you are always having trouble with your fellow workers?
    
16. We have notarized affidavits from four very popular and influential preachers: Diotrephes, Demas, Hymenaeus, and Alexander; to the effect that it is impossible for them to cooperate with either you or your program. [1Ti 1:20]
    
17. From what we hear, you seem to think that you have some direct sanction from on-high, boasting about your revelations and that God has chosen you to reveal some “Mystery”. [Ep 3:3-4Ep 3:3-4
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    3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, afore...: or, a little before ⁴ Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)  
    
    WP-Bible plugin] Can’t you realize that any truth that is to be revealed would come through Headquarters to the recognized, established brethren, and that after it had been checked by our Procedure and Doctrine Committee that we would distribute it on to the field workers?
    
18. Finally, we hear that you claim to be an Apostle. We know nothing of this being passed upon by the proper authoritative channels and wonder how you could back that claim up, when the last Apostle was voted into office right here in Jerusalem. [Ac 1:26Ac 1:26
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    26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.  
    
    WP-Bible plugin] Now that our denomination is firmly established, why do you imagine there would be any need for God to continue the Apostolic gifting?



As you see, Mr. Paul, we feel definitely after close scrutiny of your case, that you are undoubtedly the most unqualified applicant we have ever seen, and my advice for you is to find a church where you can work in harmony, and use your past education as perhaps a Sunday School teacher.

I hope I have prevented you from making a terrible mistake in your life.


Most sincerely yours,


J. Flavios Fluphehead, SECY





THAILAND TRIP—July 9-15

MISSIONS’ MUSICAL PLAY in November!  Inviting all Sunday School kids from Grades 1-6 to audition for the play on July 12, Sunday, at 1:30 pm here at CCD.

General Committee (Ministry Leaders) Meeting for Church Family Fellowship: July 12 at 7 pm here at CCD.

CHURCH FAMILY FELLOWSHIP—July 26.  We will be meeting together (all 3 services) including our outreaches at the Macias Sports Complex. We will start with our Sunday Worship Service from 3—5 pm and a Night of Psalms from 6-8 pm.

No Berean “Getting
Deeper” on July 14, it resumes July 21. 

MISSIONS’ MUSICAL PLAY in November!  Inviting all Sunday School kids from Grades 1-6 to audition for the play on July 12, Sunday, at 1:30 pm here at CCD.

2. CHURCH FAMILY FELLOWSHIP—July 26.  We will be meeting together (all 3 services) including our outreaches at the Macias Sports Complex. We will start with our Sunday Worship Service from 3—5 pm and a Night of Psalms from 6-8 pm.

NOTE: General Committee (Ministry Leaders) Meeting for Church Family Fellowship next week, July 12 at 7 pm here at CCD.

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

1. THAILAND TRIP—July 9-15. We will be preparing  Care Baskets for our missionaries in Thailand. Some of their wish list are: uyap, danggit na bulad, Johnson’s alcohol, Tang or Eight O’clock Juice packs, Sinigang packs (we already have enough Mr. Chips & Graham crackers).  If you wish to bless our missionaries with these treats, please submit it at the office. Deadline is this Tuesday morning, July 7.

NOTE: No Berean “Getting Deeper” on July 14, it resumes July 21.

I was sitting one day at my study table and I noticed outside that the sky was very gloomy. It was 15 minutes past 9 am but it looked like it’s 5:30 am. It suddenly dawned on me, a reminder, of the present situation of the world we live in today. With all of what’s going on all over the world, in spite of the advancement of technology, in spite of the social programs, one could still describe the present situation in one word – gloomy.

The earthquakes, the famines, the political and economic instability, the hate-crimes, the ever-increasing immorality, etc…, makes one disturb and afraid. Many people today are filled with fear and insecurity, hopelessness and despair. Man looks to himself (to his own “wisdom”) for solutions but still falls short and could not give lasting solutions. When man chose to turn his back from God, these (the above present situation) are the results, and man could not fix it! Man with all of his “brilliance” could not repair the damage he had done to himself!

The only solution for man’s hopelessness and despair is the cross of Christ (Jn.3:16). The path to hope is repentance unto salvation that is in Jesus. God’s word many years ago has predicted the “gloominess” of the world. This is how this present age is going to end. The judgement of God is coming upon sinful man. Nobody can hinder it. But man can stop himself from going to destruction – by trusting in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. He is our only hope, our only salvation!

One day when He comes again to reign, the gloom will turn into bloom! He will bring rest to His saints and His rewards are with Him.There will be lasting joy, peace and fellowship with the living God. There will be no more separation but only great reunion with our loved ones who died in Christ before us and with the saints of old. There will be a new heaven and a new earth. The old order of things will pass away and be replaced by God’s new creation of things. At last, we will be forever with the Lord! This is our hope.

This is our message. Now, I have 5 things to ask from you christian brother/sister : 1) Wake up from your slumber! Live for the glory of God. Live for that which has value in God’s sight. Don’t allow yourself to be entangled by the materialism of the age. Live for that which has eternal value! 2) Stand up and be counted. Enlist yourself for God’s army. This is no time to play around! Get serious with your walk. Mean business with God. Offer to God everything He has given you for His glory. 3) Preach the Word in season and out of season! 4) Pray, Pray, Pray without ceasing! 5) Be faithful. For He who has called you is faithful (1 Thess.5:24). And, 6) Do all these in LOVE!

“TRUST IN THE LORD AND DO GOOD; DWELL IN THE LAND AND ENJOY SAFE PASTURE (Psalms 37:3Psalms 37:3
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3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. verily: Heb. in truth, or, stableness  

WP-Bible plugin).” This is what we are to do. Instead of fretting, we are to be TRUSTING! The cure for fretting is faith. Regardless of the circumstances around us, we must still trust in the Lord. Trust signifies “to take refuge”, “to lean on”, and “to stay upon”. The basic idea of the word is associated with firmness or solidity. To trust in the Lord means to put faith, or to believe in the Lord recognizing that He will always be there. He will be there as a place to hide in times of trouble. He will be there to lean on when our bodies and spirits get weak. He will be there to stand on when the ground underneath us begins to give way. He is solid and firm, like a rock, and He will never be moved.

“Trust” is not a mere emotion or simply trite words spoken, but a conscious act of the will. Trust is placing our absolute confidence in God regardless of the situation at hand or the lack of evidence we do not possess. Oh, what awesome encouragement this is for us beloved, in the light of the chaos and uncertainty in the world today! There may be someone here this morning…maybe it’s you…who do not feel safe, who do not have confidence that God is able regardless of whatever comes our way. Let me say to you – trust Him. It’s worth to trust Him.

Dwight L. Moody once said, “Trust in yourself and you are doomed to disappointment. Trust in money and you may have it taken from you. Trust in your reputation and some slanderous tongue may blast it. BUT TRUST IN GOD AND YOU ARE NEVER TO BE CONFOUNDED IN TIME OR ETERNITY.” So don’t put your trust in people, people who don’t know the Lord, they may be wealthy people, or people who seem to have it made in life. He says, “Put your trust in the Lord.” People will die, but not the Lord! People come and go, but not the Lord! He is eternal, from everlasting to everlasting! He has no beginning and no end. Put your trust in Him today!

Think about what it feels like to be lost. As a child, if you were ever separated from your parents in a store, I’m sure you can remember the terror of the experience; all you wanted was to be found. Being lost and alone can be confusing and frightening.

Jesus, who came to earth to fully experience human life, knew what it was like to feel lost and alone. Willingly leaving the presence of His Father, Jesus “humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Phil. 2:8Phil. 2:8
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8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. fashion: or habit  

WP-Bible plugin). On the cross, Jesus felt the separation from God created by sin. In perhaps the saddest words ever spoken, Jesus cried out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matt. 27:46Matt. 27:46
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46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?  

WP-Bible plugin). It’s true that Jesus experienced loneliness in the days and hours leading up to the cross as His followers and even His friends abandoned Him. But in those last hours, He felt forsaken by God and it was almost more than He could bear.

The truth is, separation from God is more than anyone should bear. Jesus took our place on the cross so that we would not be eternally, spiritually lost. All of the suffering and pain Jesus endured was for our sake: “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities” (Isa. 53:5Isa. 53:5
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5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. wounded: or, tormented stripes: Heb. bruise  

WP-Bible plugin). Jesus experienced what it felt like to be utterly lost so that we can find intimacy with God. Though Jesus felt forsaken at the cross, He promises: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Heb. 13:5Heb. 13:5
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5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.  

WP-Bible plugin).

Just as the lost child cries out with joy when he or she is finally found, so the child of God can rejoice as one who is “found in Him,” as Paul said, “not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ” (Phil. 3:9Phil. 3:9
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9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:  

WP-Bible plugin). As we celebrate Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and victory over death this Communion Sunday, remember that Jesus was willing to experience ultimate separation from God so that you can find peace and will not be forever separated from Him. As the beloved song says, “I once was lost, but now I’m found.”